Push & Pull
A push or a pull makes things move, stop or change direction.
When you kick a ball, you push it. When you tug a wagon, you pull it. A bigger push makes things go faster and farther. Pushes and pulls are called forces, and they are everywhere!
Words to know
Tap a picture to hear it.
Did you know?
- A harder push makes a ball roll faster and farther.
- Opening a drawer is a pull; closing it is a push.
- Magnets can pull some metal things without touching them!
- Things slide farther on smooth floors than on bumpy carpet.
Try it! Hands-on activities
Simple things to do together with stuff you already have.
Printables
Play
Talk about it
Questions to ask while you read, play or walk.
- Is opening a door a push or a pull? What about closing it?
- How could you make a toy car go farther?
- What pushes or pulls did you do today?
For teachers
What this topic supports:
- NGSS K-PS2-1: compare the effects of different strengths and directions of pushes and pulls
- NGSS K-PS2-2: test whether a design changes the speed or direction of an object